Baby Burmese Python

From the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS):

Citizen scientists and sharp-eyed residents of the Florida Keys, be on the lookout for Burmese pythons, which may now be breeding on Key Largo. The first known hatchling on the island chain was 18 inches long (Yes, the babies are that big!) when it was found on Key Largo in early August. Two more hatchlings have since been found - which suggests the invasive snakes, already widespread in the Everglades, are breeding in the Keys. The pythons pose a particular threat to endangered small mammals found nowhere else in the world, like the Key Largo woodrat and Key Largo cotton mouse, says USGS biologist Bryan Falk. Working with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, the USGS has mailed postcards to Keys residents, asking them to watch for Burmese pythons and report sightings to 888-Ive-Got1 (888-483-4681) or IveGot1.org.

Photo: Hatchling found Aug. 23 on North Key Largo. Credit: Jeremy Dixon, USFWS.